Carbon: often used as shorthand for carbon dioxide (CO2).
Carbon dioxide: A naturally-occurring gas, which is also produced when fossil fuels are burned. It is the main greenhouse gas, and is responsible for climate change.
Carbon footprint: the amount of CO2 produced by individuals and companies. Activities such as travel, heating and shopping all form part of your carbon footprint.
Carbon neutral: when a person or company – through energy efficiency, carbon offsetting and other techniques – contributes no net CO2.
Carbon offsetting: improving your impact on the environment by contributing to support projects which reduce CO2 production.
Climate change: a change in global weather patterns, including temperature and storms. Climate change is partly influenced by greenhouse gases.
CO2: the chemical name for carbon dioxide.
Fossil fuels: fuels such as coal, oil and gas, which are formed from the decomposed remains of plants and animals.
Greenhouse gases: these trap heat radiated from the earth, and contribute to global warming.
Renewable energy: sources of energy (such as wind and solar power) which don’t rely on a limited supply of fuel.
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